If you have ever been to the eye doctor, you have undoubtedly noticed the many pieces of equipment and various tools, instruments, and devices that are used. Each of these pieces of equipment serve an important role in performing a comprehensive eye examination. Below are some of the most common instruments used by eye doctors in an eye examination.

Instruments an Eye Doctor Uses to Check for Glasses

Checking to see if you need glasses is one of the biggest aspects of an eye examination.

In checking your eyes, an eye doctor will use an eye chart that has standardized letters to determine how well you are able to see both up close and in the distance.

After the vision is determined, the doctor will use a large instrument called a phoropter to check if any lenses make the vision better or clearer.

The phoropter holds up to as many as one hundred different lenses which allow for nearly endless possibilities of combinations.

This instrument can also be used evaluate if the eyes are aligned properly or if one eye is turned or misaligned.

An Optometrist Will Check the Health of the Front of the Eye

When assessing the health of the eye, an eye doctor will use a specialized microscope called a slit lamp biomicroscope.

The slit lamp biomicroscope has many functions built in to allow the doctor to see many parts of the eyes and assess with different magnification, brightness, and colored light.

Commonly, an eye doctor will also use dye in the form of an eye drop to help to visualize damage to the front of the eyes when looking with the slit lamp biomicroscope.

Using the slit lamp biomicroscope, an eye doctor can evaluate the cornea, the iris, the sclera, the pupils, the crystalline lens, and the conjunctiva.

All of these structures can have problems that are both symptomatic or asymptomatic and require annual health screening at a comprehensive eye examination.

Instruments to Check the Health of the Back of the Eye

The back of the eye cannot be seen without special equipment. Some of the most common ways to view the back of the eye include using the slit lamp biomicroscope and a high-powered condensing lens, using a head mounted binocular indirect ophthalmoscope and a high-powered condensing lens, and using a handheld direct ophthalmoscope.

Each of the methods provide a unique advantage. With the slit lamp biomicroscope and lens, the view of the back of the eye can be attained without using dilating eye drops and is often very stable and clear. However, this view can be limited by the small pupil and the constraints of the biomicroscope.

Using the head mount binocular indirect ophthalmoscope, dilating eye drops are required but the views of the back of the eye are wide and can reach all areas of the retina. However, these views are not as magnified as those with other methods.

A handheld direct ophthalmoscope provides a method to evaluate the retina with lots of magnification, without dilation. However, this method provides the least amount of field of view when viewing the retina and is commonly reserved for children or those being seen outside of a traditional clinic.

Our eye doctor at Local Eyes Optometry in New Braunfels, TX excels in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at (830) 627-9272 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would are experiencing or would like to learn more about eye floaters. Our eye doctor, Dr. Marcus Page, provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in New Braunfels, Texas.